The Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum (Muzeum Archeologiczne i Etnograficzne, MAiE) in Łódź, Poland, is the largest museum in the city and a leading research institution of its kind in the country. Located at Plac Wolności 14, it is a significant cultural and historical hub that explores human history from the Paleolithic era to modern times through its extensive collections and exhibitions. Established in 1931, the museum is renowned for its vast holdings, which include over 285,430 cataloged items as of the end of 2016, covering archaeology, ethnography, numismatics, and puppet theater.
The origins of the museum trace back to the period following Poland’s
regained independence in 1918, when the Łódź Municipal Museum was
founded to collect diverse cultural artifacts. In 1929–1930, the
decision was made to separate its collections, leading to the creation
of the Municipal Museum of Ethnography on January 1, 1931, which
initially housed both ethnographic and archaeological artifacts. Under
the leadership of ethnographer Jan Manugiewicz, who also had
archaeological interests, the museum expanded its focus to include
central Polish provinces (Łódź and Kielce) and later eastern regions
like Lublin and Wołyń. By the 1930s, the museum had acquired 1,460
ethnographic artifacts and 9,600 archaeological items, including objects
from Asia, Africa, and South America, thanks to Manugiewicz’s global
contacts.
The museum’s early years saw it move locations,
starting at a tenement house on Piotrkowska 91, then to Piotrkowska 104
in 1934, and finally to its current home at Plac Wolności 14 after World
War II. The war disrupted operations, with significant losses to the
collection. Post-war, in 1945, the collections were split into two
institutions: the Municipal Museum of Prehistory, led by Prof. Konrad
Jażdżewski, and the Municipal Museum of Ethnography, managed by Dr.
Janina Krajewska. These were nationalized in 1949–1950, renamed the
Museum of Archaeology and Museum of Ethnography, and merged in 1956 to
form the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography in Łódź. In 1948, a
Numismatic Department was established by Anatol Gupieniec, and in 1979,
a Department of Puppet Performances was added. The museum was added to
the National Register of Museums on May 27 as entry number 44.
The museum’s collection is divided into four main departments,
housing a diverse range of artifacts that reflect both local and global
heritage:
Archaeological Collection:
This department covers
human history from the Paleolithic period to modern times, with a focus
on Poland’s central region. Notable artifacts include:
Flint axes,
pots, and a skeleton in a glass case from Paleolithic Poland.
Artifacts from the Roman era and Early Middle Ages.
Bronze Age
bracelets (1200–1100 BC) and other metalwork.
Models of 3rd-century
river settlements, providing insight into ancient Polish life.
The
collection is enriched by decades of research conducted in collaboration
with universities across Poland.
Ethnographic Collection:
Focused on the folk culture of the Łódź region, this department
showcases:
19th-century peasant house recreations, offering a
tangible experience of rural life.
Traditional clothing, tools, and
household items.
Exhibits on folk customs, rituals, and crafts.
The collection also includes artifacts from Africa, Asia, and South
America, reflecting the museum’s early global outreach.
Numismatic Collection:
Established in 1948, this department contains
approximately 60,000 items (as of 2011), including:
Coins from the
time of Alexander the Great (336–323 BC).
Medieval coins, including
rare pieces featuring St. Wojciech.
One of the oldest banknotes in
the world.
Ancient, oriental, and modern coins, showcasing the
evolution of currency in Poland and beyond.
Puppet Theater
Collection:
Created in 1979 under Maria Pinińska, this unique
department holds over 10,000 objects related to Polish puppetry and
animated films.
Includes iconic characters like Coralgol and Uszatek,
appealing to both children and adults.
The collection is regularly
exhibited in Poland and Europe, highlighting the cultural significance
of puppetry.
By the end of 2012, the museum’s total cataloged items
numbered 260,354, growing to 285,430 by 2016, underscoring its status as
a major repository of cultural heritage.
The museum features three main permanent exhibitions, each tied to
its core collections:
“Past Dug out of the Earth” (Archaeological
Exhibition):
Explores the ancient history of Poland, from prehistoric
times to the Middle Ages.
Highlights include Paleolithic tools,
Roman-era artifacts, and medieval relics.
Features interactive
displays and models, such as river settlements, to engage visitors.
“Grey as Earth, Colorful as Memory” (Ethnographic Exhibition):
Focuses on the folk culture of the Łódź region, with recreations of
19th-century village life.
Showcases traditional clothing, crafts,
and global ethnographic artifacts from Africa, Asia, and South America.
Emphasizes the vibrancy of cultural memory through colorful displays.
“A Coin on Polish Lands” (Numismatic Exhibition):
Chronicles the
history of currency in Poland, from ancient coins to modern banknotes.
Includes rare and significant pieces, such as coins from the reign of
Bolesław and early global banknotes.
Additionally, the Puppet
Theater Collection is showcased in rotating displays, often featuring
beloved characters to attract younger audiences. Temporary exhibitions,
such as “Lost-found. A continuity…” and displays of masks and puppets,
add variety to the museum’s offerings.
Location and Accessibility:
Situated at Plac Wolności 14, near the
iconic Piotrkowska Street and the Tadeusz Kościuszko statue, the museum
is centrally located in Łódź’s Freedom Square.
Housed in a Belle
Époque palace, the building adds historical charm to the experience.
The museum is family-friendly, with indoor seating and group
accommodations.
Hours and Admission:
Open Tuesday–Sunday,
10:00–18:00; closed Mondays.
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing,
with the ticket counter closing at 16:30.
Admission: 12 PLN (full) /
9 PLN (reduced); free on Tuesdays.
Virtual exhibitions are available
online for remote access.
Educational Programs:
The
Science-Education Department offers workshops and group activities for
preschools, schools, families, and individuals.
Bookings can be made
via email (edukacja@maie.lodz.pl) or phone (+48 665 655 606),
Monday–Friday, 8:00–16:00.
Programs focus on archaeology,
ethnography, and cultural heritage, tailored to various age groups.
Additional Features:
A quiet courtyard provides a relaxing space
in the city center, ideal for visitors seeking a break.
The
Department of Conservation and Research into Technology of Artefacts
conducts specialized work, offering insights into preservation
techniques, which can be explored via the museum’s website.
The
museum’s atmosphere retains a Soviet-era ambiance, with staff closely
monitoring visitors, a quirk noted by some as a throwback to communist
times.
Branch Location:
The museum operates a seasonal
open-air branch, Łęczycka Zagroda Chłopska, open from April 1 to October
31 (10:30–18:00, September–October 09:00–17:00; closed Mondays).
Admission is 20 PLN (full) / 14 PLN (reduced). This site features
traditional rural architecture and ethnographic displays.
The museum is a cornerstone of cultural preservation and research in
Poland, recognized for:
Its role as a leading research
institution, collaborating with universities and conducting fieldwork
since the 1930s.
Publishing its own journal, Wiadomości Ludoznawcze
(1932–1934), and continuing to contribute to academic discourse.
Its
inclusion in the National Register of Museums, affirming its national
importance.
Preserving Poland’s tangible and intangible heritage,
from ancient artifacts to modern folk traditions, while also
representing global cultures through its international collections.
Visitor reviews highlight its appeal for history enthusiasts, families,
and those interested in Poland’s rural past. Some note that parts of the
museum may occasionally be closed, recommending a visit when all
exhibitions are open. The puppet theater collection and courtyard are
frequently praised for adding unique and relaxing elements to the
experience.
Contact: Phone: +48 42 632 84 40; Email: muzeum@maie.lodz.pl
Website: www.maie.lodz.pl (includes virtual tours and collection
details)
Social Media: Active on Facebook (edumaielodz,
LeczyckaZagrodaChlopska)
Tips for Visitors:
Check exhibition
schedules to ensure all sections are open.
Bring a mask and follow
health guidelines, as noted during recent reopenings.
Allow 1–2 hours
for a visit, especially with older children.